On Wednesday, June 11 from 6:00-8:00PM, pizza artist Giorgia Caporuscio, will host a private party to celebrate the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Together with sponsors Peroni and Fratelli Branca, the evening will commemorate Italy’s beloved sport and the pinnacle of soccer.

The rising star in the Caporuscio family of pizza masters, daughter of renown Neapolitan pizza chef Roberto Caporuscio of Don Antonio by Starita and Kesté Pizza and Vino, is paving the way to her own notoriety. The 23 year old recently made pizza-history, becoming the youngest of only two women to win first place in the “Classic Pizza” category, at the 12th Annual International Pizza Competition. The event is Italy’s largest, most prestigious pizza expo which includes over 500 competitors from 47 di!erent countries.

Said Ms. Caporuscio, “We wanted to do something fun to celebrate the super bowl of soccer. The game is such a huge part of Italian culture, as is pizza, so it’s a perfect match. When you walk into Don Antonio, you feel as if you’re in Naples, something in which we take great pride. What better venue to kick o! the World Cup and celebrate Italy’s favorite pastime.” 

The preview party will include signature appetizers as well as specially crafted pizza and cocktails in honor of the World Cup. The commemorative pizza and drinks will be o!ered as specials at Don Antonio’s New York and Atlanta locations throughout June. Named after Italy’s all-time best FIFA World Cup players, the menu includes:

◆ Pizza Baggio – Authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza topped with homemade mozzarella, pesto, sun dried tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil. The ingredients pay homage to the colors of the Italian flag.

◆ Maldini – Fresh pineapple puree, Peroni, vodka and blue curaçao

◆ Meazza Mintonic – Freshly muddled mint and lime, Fernet Branca, soda water and sugar

Don Antonio by Starita is located at 309 West 50th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues), in New York City. Hours of operation are: Monday through Thursday, 11:30AM–11:00PM, Friday and Saturday 11:30AM-12:00AM and Sunday 11:30AM–10:30PM. Tel. 646.719.1043, www.DonAntonioPizza.com. The restaurant recently opened a second location at 102 West Paces Ferry Road NW, in the Buckhead section of Atlanta, Georgia.